Magnolia Electric Company
On Josephine, the first full-length Magnolia Electric Company release in three years, Ohio-born songwriter Jason Molina eschews long guitar solos for simple, sparse instrumentals that fade gracefully into the background. While hes known for writing wistful, even lugubrious songs about loneliness and heartache, Josephines gospel organs seem particularly funereal. Is that because of the recent death, in a house fire, of Magnolia Electric bass player Evan Farrell? No, Molina told Pitchfork.com, hes just feeling blue since moving to London. His characteristically somber lyrics and earnest, lone-cowboy vocals sound much the same as when he performed under the name of Songs: Ohiavisceral, revealing, and completely sincere. The Donkeys and Thousand Arrows open. SARA BRICKNER
Sat., Aug. 1, 8 p.m., 2009
